Metal cutting machine



July 27,1937. c., B, RAY 2,088,202

. METAL CUTTING MACHINE Filed March 9,- 1956 4 sheetssheet 2 .aaa

INVENTOR CHARLESB. GRAY.

BY- v,

ATTORNEY July 27, 1937. c. B, GRAY l 2,088,202

` METAL CUTTING MACHINE f Filed March 9, 193e; 4 sheets-sheet s.

5&3' F/q. 10a Fmr. l0.

usb

FMD/4. ,use )al S' M1* *"3 89V (92 5 INVENTOR ,95, Flap/3. CHHRLEG/iFIX "7* s6 l Y wfg/M- ATTORNEY Jp1y`27, 1937;

' v le INVENTOR CH/IRL ES B. GRHY. BY www ATTORNEYv Patented July 27, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 19 Claims.

My invention relates to cutting machines of reciprocatory punch type and it has for an object to provide improved apparatus of this type.

A nibbling or cutting machine, having punch front and side cutting faces is particularly advantageous in rapidly following a straight line. The type of machine having a roller die is very satisfactory for this type of tool, rollers being used to control the feed of material. In accordance with present invention, I provide a machine with the same type of punch tool and having the same operating advantages but having a conventional type of die and a pilot for limiting feed, with the result that the machine is mechanically simpler and more economical to construct.

A further object of my invention is to provide a pivoted pilot to limit feed and which is so re-` lated to the punch that, on working strokes, the

punch deiiects the pilot backwardly or wipes by the latter.

A further object of my invention is to provide a pilot formed separately from the punch with a mounting for the pilot providing for retraction of the latter. Y

A further object of my invention is to provide an improved die head carrying the die and the means for securing simultaneous turning thereof A further object of my invention is to provide a cutting machine with an angularly adjustable tool having improved locking or holding means. A further object of my invention is to provide a cutting machine having a die carried by a die head with a pilot arranged interiorly of the head so as normally to extend above the top surface Y4.5 of the die together with means carried by the head and providing for retraction of the pilot.

These and other objects are effected by my invention as will be apparentfrom the following description and claims taken in connection withv the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, in which: l

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a cutting machine with parts in section and having my improvements applied thereto; l Fig. 2 is a detail sectional view taken along the line II-II of Fig. 1 and viewed in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 3 is a detail view, drawn to larger scale and showingfeatures of the tool and pilot;

Fig. 4 is a plan View of the die head and die; V

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line V-V of Fig; 1 and viewed in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 6 is a detail end elevation of the upper portion of the cutter head of Fig.. 1;

Fig. 'I shows a diiferent type of tool and die inserted in the machine shown in Fig. 1; n

Fig. 8 shows a modified form of machine;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view shown partly in elevation and partly in section of a further em- 1,. bodiment of my invention;

Fig. 10 is an end elevation of the apparatus Shown in Fig. 9;

Fig. 10a is a detail showing the eccentric and associated parts as provided in Figs. 9, 10, 11, and 12; 20

Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional View showing a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 12 is an end elevational view of apparatus shown in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a sectional view showing a modified tool holder construction for use with the general type of apparatus shown in Fig. 11; and,

Fig. 14 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 13. p, Referring now to the drawings, in Fig. 1, there is shown a frame Ill of conventional type having upper and lower arms I I and I2, carrying cutting tool and die heads, at I3 and I4, respectively.

The upper arm II carries a power shaft I 6 for imparting reciprocatory movement to the cutting tool I'I cooperating with the die I8 carried by the die head I 4, it being necessary to convert rotary motion of thev power shaft into reciprocatory Vmotion and to apply the latterv to the tool. By way of example, I show the power shaft provided with an eccentric I9 engaging a block shoe 20 fitting a transverse groove 2| provided in a cross-head 22 ttinga vertical guide 23 (Fig. 6) provided on the cutter head, at i3, 45 the cross-head being retained in position by the overlapping facing strips 2.4!. The cross-head is connected to the ram 25 fitting the vertical ram guide bore 26 provided in the cutter or tool head body 21, the ram having the tool II connected 50 thereto in any suitable manner.

As shown in Fig. 1, the cross-head 22 is connected to the ram 25 in such a manner as Vto permit the latter to be turned about its Vertical or longitudinal axis and also means is provided 55 t0 secure quick over-all shortening of the crosshead and ram aggregate to permit elevation of the tool above the work for any desired purpose even with the machine in operation. To provide for turning of the ram relatively to the crosshead 22, the ram is provided with a swivel head 28 disposed in a socket 29 carried by the crosshead, the socket being comprised in part by the bottom plate 36 detachably connected to the lower end of the cross-head, the plate having a U-shaped slot 36a formed therein to receive the shank 3| of the swivel head so that the bottom plate abuts underneath the swivel head. 'I'he upper surface of the swivel head is normally engaged by a gag 32, the gag and the bottom plate closely confining the swivel head vertically with respect to the cross-head and serving to impart movements of the latter in opposite directions to the swivel head and the connected ram. If the gag is withdrawn, obviously the swivel head and the connected ram may move upwardly relatively to the cross-head.

The gag 32 is provided with a hand pull 33 for withdrawing it to clear the swivel head 28, the gag preferably having a semi-circular or U-shaped recessy 34 at its inner end capable of fitting about the cylindrical exterior of the swivel head. As soon as the gag is retracted 'to such an extent that the swivel head may move through the recess, it does so under influence of the force of the spring 35 acting on the pull rod 36 connected to the swivel head. The gag is normally biased inward by a spring 31, with the result that, if the swivel head and ram are moved downwardly relatively to the cross-head until the swivel head engages the bottom plate 30, the spring 31 snaps the gag inwardly above the swivel head just as soon as it is cleared by the recess 34. A convenient way of effecting this movement is by means of the weighted lever 38, which, when pulled down, imparts downward movement to the pull rod 36 and compresses the spring 35.

Referring now to the die head |4, as shown in Fig. l, this structure is comprised by an upper or body portion 38a provided with a top plate 39 carrying the die 8 and a bottom plate 4Q abutting the bracket 4| so as to transmit cutting thrust to the latter. The housing or body portion 38a has depending therefrom the hollow spindle or journal 42 fitting a vertical guide bearing 43 provided in the supporting bracket or structure 4|.

The supporting bracket or structure 4| is detachably connected with respect to the frame, not only to facilitate manufacture thereof and associated parts, but also to provide for alinement oi' the die and tool. The connection must furthermore be of such a character as to solidly transmit cutting stresses to the frame and its support. Accordingly, I show the bracket 4| having an upright face 44 opposed to an upright face 45 formed on the frame and provided with a hook portion 46 for engagement over the frame flange 41, the hook portion having a flange 48 engaging behind the latter. Adjustable wedge or wedges 49 are preferably arranged between the anges to draw the face 44 toward the face 45, and screws 56 are employed for clamping or fastening the bracket in position relatively to the frame, the stresses due to weight of the bracket as well as load imposed thereon being transmitted largely through the hook and wedge connection so that the screws serve mainly clamping and positioning functions. Shims 5| are preferably arranged between. the faces 44 and 45 and the screws 56 extend through openings 52 formed in the end plate 45a of the lower arm and larger than the screw shanks. Hence the means for connecting the bracket provides for adjustment horizontally in directions at right angles so that the die may be alined with the tool. Shims 5| may be removed or inserted and screws tightened to secure adjustment in one direction; and with the wedges and screws loosened the bracket may be moved horizontally in the other direction to the extent permitted by excess size of the openings 52 relatively to the screws 50. After the die is correctly positioned in this way, the wedges 49 (Fig. 5) are tightened, each wedge being forced in between suitable opposed surfaces formed on the frame and hook iianges 41 and 48, screws 53 carried by the flange 48 engaging the wedges for this purpose. Thus it will be seen that the shims 5|, the screws 5 and the surfaces 44 and 45 provide for adjustment of the bracket 4| horizontally at right angles, while the flange on the bracket overhanging the frame flange with the interposed wedges serves to transmit cutting stresses from the die to the frame.

Because of the type of tool l1 and the character of pilot 55, the die IB has a slot 56 having its inner end providing a front shear edge 5l and having its sides providing side shear edges 58 arranged at right angles tol the edge 51. |1 is provided with a. front cutting edge 59 and side cutting edges 60, and the tool and die are formed so that the front and side edges of the tool cooperate with the front and side edges of the die to effect cutting.

The tool |1 is provided with a bottom face 6| which recedes upwardly and rearwardly to provide a desired rake for the front cutting edge 59 and for scissors-like shearing action for the side cutting edges 6&3, The pilot 55 has its upper end provided with a feed limiting portion 62 immediately above the die and with a portion 53 thereabove which is inclined upwardly and rearwardly so that the tool in moving down is capable oi moving the pilot backwardly, whereby the tool may wipe past the pilot.

' The pilot 55 is pivoted at 64 to the upper end of the stem 65 slidable in the bore 66 formed in the spindle 42. A spring 61 biases the pilot toward the front shearing edge 51 of the die to engage the adjustable abutment 68. By adjustment of the abutment 68, the distance between the pilot feed limiting portion 62 and the shearing edge 51, and, therefore, the increment of feed for work, shown at W in Figs. 1 and 3, may be varied. As a slug is sheared from the blank it spreads backwardly, the pilot moving backwardly readily to permit this, and, as cutting is completed, the slug is pushed or wiped along the pilot so as to drop into the housing 38a from which it is discharged through the opening 69. With this arrangement and operation of the tool and pilot, it will be apparent that slugs are positively pushed out by the tool with no opportunity for their being caught or jammed between the tool and the pilot.

Therpilot-supporting stem 65 may be raised to bring the pilot to its normal position or to lower it below the die incident to insertion or removal of work when making inside cuts. Accordingly, the lower end of the stem 65 engages a cam lil pivotally carried by the spindle 4E and having high and low cam portions 1| and 12. With the cam portion 1| abutting the lower end of the stem, the pilot occupies its normal position ex- The tool tending above the die; and, with low portion l2 in abutment, the pilot will be below the die. The cam is moved by any suitable means, for example, the handle 13. While upward movement of the stern 65 is positively effected by the cam, yet, with the type of cam shown, other means must be used to cause the stem to lower and follow the cam; and, while gravity may suffice for this purpose, I prefer to use positive means, such as the follower 'i4 on the stem and engaging the cam groove 'l5 formed in the cam.

With the present type of tool `and die, if the tool is turned, it is necessary to turnthe die to the same extent. Referring first to the primary means for turningy the tool, in Fig. 1, I show the tool head II-.iprovided at its lower end with a turret ring 'I5 provided with a key 'il engaging `a spline groove 'IS formed in the ram. The ring is turned by one or more handles 19. The ring also carries strippers ll which serve to strip work from the tool on up or back strokes.

The ram and the die head 33d are mechanically inter-connected so that they turn together to keep the tool and the die in registry. To this end a sprocket 8| is splined to the rain and a sprocket 82 is connected to the die head 33a, the sprockets 8l and 82 engaging chains 83 and 84, respectively, and the latter engaging sprockets 35 and Sii, respectively, carried by opposite ends of the shaft 8l. The shaft Si is preferably provided with a hand wheel @t so that the operator may use the latter to turn the tool and die when he is near thereto and the turret ring is relatively inaccessible for this purpose.

Detents are preferably provided for holding the turret ring 'I6 and the die head 38a in predetermined angular positions. Accordingly, the tool o1' cutter head body 21 is provided with a vertical bore 90 having a detent 9i therein and adapted to engage recesses 92 formed in the top surface of the turret ring 16. A spring 93 causes the detent to engage in any of the recesses to lock the turret ring. The detent 9| has a. hand pull 94 at its upper end and lock-out means is provided for holding the pin free of the recesses. For example, I show lock-out means comprised by a lug 95 on the detent and iitting a recess @6 inthe body when in locking position, the means being rendered effective by pulling the pin, up so that the lug clears the upper end of the recess and then turning the pin so'that the lug is out of registry with the recess. This arrangement oi detent for the turret ring is advantageous because of its accessibility and convenient opern ability.

The detent for the die head is preferably comprised by a` pin 9B carried by the bracketvflil and biased by a spring 99 to engage any of the recesses it@ formed in the exterior of the spindle 42 of the die head, the angular spacing of the recesses lil corresponding to the recesses S2 formed in the. turret ring l. Lock-out means lli l, similar to that already described, is provided for holding the pin 93 out of the recesses l.

As already pointed out, the die il is provided by a block having a slot formed the-rein to pro- Vide the shearing edges and adequate clearance for backward movement of the pilot. The die block is preferably cylindrical and vlits the cylindrical end |92 of the slot luid formed in the top plate 39 of the die head, the top plate having a flange i021) underlapping the die to give bottom and thrust-transmitting support for the latter. The die is clamped in position by means of auxiliary devices, have been omitted.

a bar |03 having a cylindrical seat |04 at its inner end to engage the die block. The bar is moved inwardly to clamp the die block by screw means at |435, the bar being held down in the slot |92 by asorew i |36 connected to the top plate and tting a slot |01 in the bar.

The machine shown in Fig. 1 may be used with a round type of tool, as shown` in Fig. 7, the ram 25 having the tool replaced by a round tool |03 having cutting and pilot portions |09 and Il), this type of tool being well known in the art. Also, the die I8 which cooperates with the tool l1 in Fig. 1 is replaced by a die to suit the tool I. Since the round type of tool having cutting and pilot portions not only serves to cut material but also to limit the increment of feed thereof, the pilot'55 of Fig. 1 would be unnecessary and such pilot may be lowered out of position or removed.

In Fig. 8, I show an embodiment of myinvention particularly suitable for straight cutting and one in which maximum economy in construction of the machine is secured. The apparatus shown in this view is similar to that shown in Fig. 1 except that the gag 32, the turret ring 76, and the means for securing concurrent turning of the ram and of the die head, as well as In this form, the machine has a ram 25, as described in connection with Fig. 1, the ram carrying a tool il which cooperates with a die carried by the die head 38a. A pilot 55 is employed, the pilot being raised and lowered by means of the lever 13. Here again, the bracket 4| is secured to the lower arm i2 of the frame in such manner that the bracket may be adjusted horizontally at right angles in order to aline the die with the tool, cutting stresses being transmitted from the bracket ange 48 through the compression wedges iii, to the frame flange 4l. Detents 9|@ and 93a are associated with the ram and with the die head to provide'for angular adjustment thereof to predetermined positions.`

In Figs. 9 and 10, I show an embodiment of the invention which is simplified from the points of view of construction and assembly, particularly in connection with crosshead, gag and turret features. In these views the ram 25, the tool the die i8, and the pilot are in general similar to those shown in Fig. 1.

The crosshead in Figs. 9 and 10 includes primary and secondary, or upper and lower, parts i i5 and i iii slidable in the vertical guide provided at the outer end of the upper arm of the machine frame and held in place by the facing strips H8. The secondary part |56 has a socket l iii at its lower end for the swivel head 28 of the ram.

The primary crosshead part i5 is formed with y a transverse slot |253, the latter being preferably provided by having the body |2| constructed as an approximately U-shaped member with a strap EEE at the top thereof. A block or shoe |23 flts the slot and it is engaged by the driving eccentric i9.

The primary part ||5 is connected to the secondary part through the intermediary of a gag E25 and a pair of tension devices, at |2.

. Each tension device, at |26, includes. a rod |21 serve to draw the secondary part I6 toward the primary part when the gag |25 is retracted to raise the tool for the purpose already described.

Since the slide is made in upper and lower parts, with the upper part comparatively simple in design and structure and not complicated by other parts being connected thereto, it will be apparent that the upper part and the eccentric shoe carried thereby may be removed without disturbing the lower part, the gag carried thereby and other parts.

The gag is carried by the lower, or secondary, crosshead part H6. To this end, the part ||6 has connected thereto a box |34 through which extends the rod connected to the gag, the outer end of the rod having connected thereto the hand pull |36. A spring |31 in the box |34 surrounds the rod |35 and exerts force on the gag to move the latter to position between the primary and secondary parts. Upon retraction of the gag, the secondary part moves toward the primary part under influence of the tension devices.

The secondary part ||6 is moved away from the primary part H5 by means of thei lever |38 having a cross bar |39 adapted to engage the upper ends of the rods |21. With the gag retracted and the secondary part elevated, if the lever |38 is pulled down, the rods |21 will be thrust downwardly and the secondary part ||5 thereby be moved downwardly; and, as soon as the secondary part is moved down to a suicient extent relative to the primary part, the gag moves in between the primary and secondary parts under influence of the spring |31.

The ram 25 is arranged in a guide bore 26 provided by the head element |40 connected to the upper arm The head element |40 has journalled on its lower end the turret member |4| having a key |42 engaging in the keyway |43 of the ram. The turret member also carries a stripper |44.

In Figs. 11, 12, and 13, IY show further modied features of the invention. The crosshead construction is somewhat similar to that of Figs. 9 and 10 except that the ram and the secondary part are combined and a die holder and pilot mechanism of modied form are used.

As shown in Fig. 11, the upper arm has a tongue |45 fitting a slot or groove |46 formed in the body |41 of the head construction. The body |41 carries a bearing |48 for the drive shaft iS and it is formed to provide a guide ||1 for the primary and secondary crosshead parts ||5 and ||6a.

The secondary part ||6a serves both the purpose of the secondary part ||6 of Fig. 9 and of a ram, it being suniciently elongated for this purpose. The lower end of the secondary part or ram |6a has a tool holder formed by complementary vertical grooves |49 and |49a formed, respectively, in the lower end of the ram and in the face plate |50 connected to the ram by screws |5|. Cutting thrust is transmitted from the ram to the upper end of the tool |1 by means of a screw |52 carried by a lug |53 integral with the ram.

A stripper |54 carried by the body |41 serves to strip the work W from the tool, as hereinbefore pointed out.

While the pilot |55 shown in Figs. 11 and 13 operates in a general way similarly to that of Fig. 1, the structure thereof and of associated parts has been modied. The pilot |55 is detachably connected by screws |56 to the arm |51 of the rocker |58 mounted on the pivot |59 carried by the upper end of the post |60.

The post |60 carries a plate |6| with which cooperate elements to bias the pilot forwardly and to adjust the feed increment of the pilot. To this end, the rocker |58 has opposed arms |62 and |63, a spring |64 being interposed between the arm |63 and the plate |6| to bias the pilot forwardly and an adjusting screw |65 is carried by the arm |52 and it cooperates with the plate |6| to provide for adjustment of the increment of feed.

As hereinbefore pointed out in connection with Fig. l, provisions are made for separating the pilot from the tool incident to insertion or removal of work. To this end., in Fig. 11, the support or post |60 is formed as a slide movable vertically in the guide bore |66 by means of a cam 10a, similar in structure and function to the cam 10 of Fig. 1. Movement of the cam results in vertical movement of the pilot aggregate consisting of the pilot, the post or slide, and the connections therebetween.

With the form of the invention shown in Figs. 11, 12, and 13, it is desirable to provide for angular adjustment of the tool and die to suit the desired direction of cutting, as hereinbefore pointed out. The tool |1 may be adjusted by loosening the screws |5| and turning the tool |1 in the holder. Adjustment of the die lila calls for special construction of the die head and its support.

Accordingly, I show the lower arm of the frame bifurcated, or having a U-shaped slot |60, at its outer end to receive the hollow cylindrical stem structure |69 of the die holder |10. A filler or strap portion |1| is connected to the lower arm and it cooperates with the slot to form a multiple-part cylindrical bearing for the upper journal portion |12 of the stem structure |69. Preferably, the ller or strap portion 1| forms a part of a depending body |13 connected tothe lower arm by screws |14. The body functions as a guide or retainer for the lower end 'of the L stem structure; and, to this end, the latter is provided With a journal portion |15 fitting a bearing |15 provided by the body.

The stem structure |69 has a work table |11 at its upper end and in abutting relation with respect to the upper surface of the lower arm, whereby working or cutting stresses are transmitted from the table to the lower arm. Furthermore, the stem structure carries the pilot aggregate, the slide |60 thereof iitting the guide bore f' |66 formed in the journal portion |15 of the body |13.

A detent carried by the stationary body |13 cooperates with openings 8| formed in the stem structure to hold the latter and the die carried thereby in a desired position of adjustment.

In Figs. 13 and 14, I show a further modification of the combined crosshead and ram structure facilitating adjustments of the tool |1 in which the latter is carried by a tool holder |80 mounted in the cylindrical two-part bearing |09 carried by the lower end of the combined ram and secondary crosshead member ||6b. The holder has longitudinal recesses with which cooperate the detent |9I, which may be withdrawn to permit turning of the holder and then the detent allowed to reengage to retain the holder in adjusted position. As in Fig. 1l, a thrust screw |52 is carried by the ram and serves to transmit cutting thrust directly to the upper end of the holder.

The tool holder |88 is of such a character as to permit adjustment of the tool relatively thereto,l this being desirable in case of a large range of adjustment due to variability in tool lengths or to shortening of tools incident to dressing of the latter. Accordingly, the tool holder is comprised by an inverted cup-shaped body or thimble |92 within which is disposedv the shank of the tool, a spacer |93 of suitable length being disposed between the top end of the tool and the closed upper end |94 of the body. Washers tilt of suitable thicknesses are arranged in the body and encompass the tool and spacer to hold the latter centered. A collet |96 is carried by the lower end of the body and it serves to grip the tool.

The arrangements shown in Figs. 9 and 11 are advantageous in that they readily permit remov- 4al of the slide aggregate, or removal of the eccenal of the plate, both the shoe |23 and the ec-v centric |9 are exposed so that the shoe may be removed, and the eccentric as well if the latter is provided on a short section detachable from the drive shaft proper, without disturbance otherwise of the apparatus. 1

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that I have devised a type of cutting machine which has the operating advantages of the roller die type but wherein the expensive construction to provide for a roller die is avoided. In the present machine, instead of having a ro-ller die for the angular type of tool, I provide a die of ordinary construction having front and lateral shear edges cooperating with the cutting edges of the tool. In the roller die type of machine, the die rollers not only denne the die but cooperate in securing feeding of material. Therefore, with the machine using an ordinary die, some means must be provided to limit the feed of material. Accordingly, I provide a pilot carried by the die head andnormally extending above the upper surface `of the die, the front of the pilot being spaced from the front shear edge of the die a distance corresponding to the desired increment of feed. The pilot is arranged to be deflected backwardly during cutting strokes so that the `tool may move by and in front of the latter as it passes through the die, whereby there is no opportunity for chips to be crowded between the tool and the pilot and such chips are readily pushed by the tool along the front of the pilot and through the die. The present type of machine embodies means for raising and lowering various other changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof and I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereupon as are imposed by the prior art or as are specically set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a cutting machine of the reciprocatory punch type, a punch tool, a die cooperating with the tool, means for reciprocating the tool, a pilot extending upwardly through the die and spaced from the front edge of the die when the tool is in its uppermost position to determine the increment of feed of stock, means for supporting the pilot in a predetermined vertical position during cutting strokes of the tool, and means providing for rearward and forward movements of the pilot by the tool on cutting and back strokes, respectively, of the latter.

2. In a cutting machine of the reciprocatory punch type, a punch tool, a die cooperating with the tool, means for reciprocating the tool, a pilot extending upwardly through the die and, in its normal position, spaced from the front portion of the latter a suicient distance to provide a desired increment of feed for Stock, said tool and pilot having bottom and top surfaces so arranged that the pilot is moved backwardly by the tool as each cutting operation progresses to provide for the tool moving longitudinally relatively to the pilot so that the tool may push a cut slug along the front edge of the latter and out of the die, and means for restoring the pilot toY normal position as soon as it is cleared by the tool.

3. In a cutting machine of the reciprocatory punch type, a punch tool, a die cooperating with the tool, means including a drive shaft for reciprocating the tool, a pilot extending upwardly through the die and, in its normal position, spaced from the front'portion of the latter a sufficient distance to provide a desired increment of feed for stock, said tool and pilot having bottom and top surfaces so arranged that the pilot is moved backwardly as each cutting operation progresses to provide for the tool moving longitudinally relatively to the pilot so that the tool may push a cut slug along the front edge of the latter and out of the die, means for biasing the pilot toward the front portion of the die, and an adjustable abutment for limiting movement of the pilot toward the front of the die.

4. In a cutting machine of the reciprocatory punch type, a punch tool, a die cooperating with the tool, means including a drive shaft for'reciprocating.V the tool, a pilot extending upwardly through the die and, in its normal position, spaced from the front portion of the latter a sufficient distance to provide a desired increment of feed for stock, said tool having a back surface at its lower end and said pilot having a front surface at its upper end which are inclined upwardly and rearwardly so that the pilot is moved backwardly by the tool to provide for longitudinal movement of the tool relatively to the pilot, and means resisting backward movement of the pilot and effective to restore it to normal position.

5. In a cutting machine of the reciprocatory punch type, a reciprocatory punch tool, means for reciprocating the tool, a die cooperating with, the tool, a pilot normally extending through and above the upper surface of the die and spaced from the forward edge of the latter to provide for a desired increment of feed of stock, means providing for rearward movement of the pilot so that the tool may move downwardly relatively to the pilot and in front of the latter on cutting strokes, means eifective to restore the pilot to normal position when it is cleared by the tool on backstrokes of the latter, and means for holding the pilot in normal operating position with respect to the tool and movable to separate the pilot from the tool incident to insertion or removal of stock.

6. In a cutting machine of the reciprocatory punch type, a frame, a vertical ram, means carried by the frame for reciprocating the ram and providing for angular adjustment thereof about its vertical axis, a punch tool carried by the lower end of the ram, a die cooperating with the tool, a die head carrying the die and supported by the frame so as to be adjustable about an axis coaxial with the ram axis, a head carried by the frame and having a guide bore for the ram, a turret ring journaled on the frame head, a spline connection between the turret ring and the ram and including a key disposed below the head, a pilot carried by the die head and normally extending above the die and spaced a predetermined distance from the front edge of the latter, means providing for backward movement of the pilot as the punch tool traverses the die on cutting strokes, means for moving the pilot forwardly on back strokes of the punch tool when the latter clears the die, and mechanism interconnecting the ram and the die head for simultaneous angular adjustment and including a gear member disposed above the frame head and splined to the ram.

'7, In a cutting machine of the reciprocatory punch type, a punch tool, means for reciprocating said tool, said punch tool having front and lateral cutting edges, a die having shear edges cooperating with the front and lateral cutting edges of the tool, means providing for adjustment of the tool angularly about its axis, a die head carrying the die and angularly 'adjustable about an axis coaxial with the tool axis, a pilot carried by the die head and normally extending above the die and spaced a predetermined distance from the front edge of the latter, means providing for backward movement of the pilot as the punch tool traverses the die on cutting strokes, and means for moving the pilot forwardly on back strokes of the punch tool when the latter clears the die.

8. In a cutting machine of the reciprocatory punch type, a punch tool, means for reciprocating the tool, a die cooperating with the tool, a die head including a body supporting the die and having an opening for exit of chips, a pilot in said body and normally extending through and above the upper surface of the die and moved backwardly by the tool on cutting strokes, abutment means for spacing the pilot from the front of the die, means for biasing the pilot forwardly to engage the abutment means, means including surfaces formed on the punch tool and on the pilot for causing the latter to move backwardly against the force of the biasing means on cutting strokes of the punch tool, a support for the pilot movable in the body, and means for lowering and raising the support to retract the pilot below the upper surface of the die and to raise the pilot from retracted to normal position.

9. In a cutting machine of the reciprocatory punch type, a` punch tool, means for reciprocating the tool, a die cooperating with the tool, a die head including a body for supporting the die, a pilot in said body and normally extending through and above the upper surface of the die, the adjacent tool and pilot ends being so shaped that the pilot is moved backwardly by the tool to provide for the latter moving downwardly in front of the pilot, a support mounted in the body, a pivotal connection between the lower end of the pilot and the support, an abutment for spacing the pilot from the front edge of the die, means for biasing the pilot to engage the abutment, and means providing for movement of the support to retract the pilot below the upper surface of the die and to raise the pilot from retracted to normal position.

10. In a cutting machine of the reciprocatory punch type, a frame having upper and .lower arms, a cutter head having a vertical guide, a reciprocatory ram carried by the guide, a punch tool connected to the lower end of the ram, means for reciprocating the ram, a die cooperating with the tool, a die head carrying the die, a bracket connected to the lower arm and supporting the die head, means providing for adjustment of the bracket horizontally at right angles to aline the die and tool, and means for transmitting cutting stresses from the bracket to the lower arm.

11. In a cutting machine of the reciprocatory punch type, a frame having upper and lower arms, a cutter head connected to the upper arm il' and provided with a vertical ram guide, a ram in the guide, means for reciprocating the ram, a punch tool carried by the lower end of the ram, a die cooperating with the tool, a head for supporting the die, a bracket for supporting the head, means providing for adjustment of the bracket horizontally at right angles to provide for alinement of the die and tool, and means for transmitting cutting stresses from the die to the lower arm including a flange on the bracket overhanging a flange on the lower arm with compression spacing means between the flanges.

12. In a cutting machine of the reciprocatory punch type, a punch tool having a front cutting edge and side cutting edges arranged normally l with respect to the front cutting edge, a die having a slot providing front and side shear edges conforming to and cooperating with the tool edges, a pilot arranged in the slot and extending above the die to provide a feed stop,

means for biasing the pilot toward the die front shear edge, means for spacing the pilot from the front shear edge of the die to provide for a feed increment, and means including surfaces formed on the lower end of the punch and on the upper end of the pilot for causing the pilot to move backwardly on cutting strokes of the tool to allow the tool to move down in front of the die.

13. In a cutting machine of the reciprocatory punch type, a frame having upper and lower arms, .f

a cutter head having a vertical body provided with a vertical guide, a ram fitting the guide, means for reciprocating the ram, a punch tool carried by the lower end of the ram, a die cooperating with the tool, a die head having a central seat for the die and a radial slot opening into the seat, a key in the slot, said seat being comprised by surfaces on the head and on the end of the key which conform to and encompass the die and by a flange on the head abutting the bottom surface of the die, and means for exerting pressure on the key to secure gripping of the die.

14. In a cutting machine of the reciprocatory punch type, a frame having upper and lower arms, a cutter head connected to the upper arm and provided with a body having a vertical guide, a ram in the guide, means for reciprocating the ram, a punch tool carried by the lower end of the ram, a die having an opening for the tool and having a cylindrical exterior, a die head carried by the lower arm and having a table provided with a central seat for the die and with a slot extending from the outer edge of the table and opening into said seat, said slot opening through the top surface of the table, a key fitting the slot and having its top surface normally flush with the top surface of the table, said seat being comprised by an upright surface on the table and on the key conforming to and fitting the boundary surface of the die and by a flange on the table which abuts the bottom surface of the die, means for retaining the key in the slot, and means for exerting force on the key to grip the die.

15. In a cutting machine, a frame having a r Vertical guide, a slide in the guide and including upper and lower parts, means for reciprocating the upper part, a gag insertable between and retractable from between the parts, tension means tending to draw the lower part toward the upper part, a punch tool operatively connected to the lower part, and a die cooperating with the tool.

16. In a cutting machine, a frame having a vertical guide, a slide in the guide and including upper and lower parts, means for reciprocating the upper part, a gag insertable between and retractable from between the parts, tension means tending to draw the lower part toward the upper part, a punch tool operatively connected to the lower part, a die cooperating with the tool, and means for separating said parts to provide for insertion of the gag.

1'7. In a cutting machine, a frame having a vertical guide, a slide in the guide and including upper and lower parts, said upper part having a horizontal slot extending therethrough, a shoe slidable in the slot, a drive shaft having an eccentric engaging the shoe, a gag insertable between and retractable from between the upper and lower parts, tension means tending to draw the lower part toward the upper part, a punch tool operatively connected to the lower part, a die cooperating with the tool, and means for retaining the shoe in the slot including a cheek on the drive shaft and detachable retaining means carried by the upper part.

18. In a cutting machine, a frame having a vertical guide, a slide in the guide and including upper and lower parts, driving means carried by the frame for reciprocating said upper part, a gag carried by the upper end of said lower part and normally spacing said parts, tension means tending to draw the lower part toward the upper part, means for retracting the gag so that the tension means may be eiective to move the lower part toward the upper part, a punch tool operatively connected to the lower part, a die carried by the frame and cooperating with the tool, said guide being open at its front side to provide for removal as a unit of the slide and the parts carried thereby, and retaining means carried by the frame and normally effective to hold the slide in the guide and adjustable to provide for removal of the slide.

19. In a cutting machine, a frame having a vertical guide and a cylindrical ram bore arranged therebelow, a slide in the guide and including upper and lower parts, means for reciprocating the upper part, a gag normally interposed between the parts, tension means tending to draw the lower part toward the upper part, a ram fitting the ram bore, a swivel connection between the upper end of the ram and the lower end of said lower part, a punch tool connected to the lower end of the ram, a die cooperating with the tool, and means for turning the ram about its longitudinal axis. Y

CHARLES B. GRAY. 

